Understanding the Difference Between Whiteheads, Milia, and Closed Comedones

Understanding what your skin is trying to tell you is a big challenge for a lot of people. Especially when these bumps show up on your skin, all looking the same! While they do look similar, each of these skin issues has its own cause, appearance, and treatment. Knowing the difference between whiteheads, milia, and closed comedones is key to addressing them safely and effectively.

Here’s our breakdown of each concern and how you can spot it, identify it, and properly treat it at home or with professional assistance!

What Are Whiteheads?

Whiteheads are one of the most common types of acne. They form when pores get clogged with a mix of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Unlike blackheads, the top of a whitehead is closed, giving it that classic white or flesh-coloured bump appearance.

• Type: Acne lesion
• Cause: Clogged pores, excess oil, sometimes bacteria
• Appearance: Small, round, white or flesh-colored bumps
• Location: Often on the face in areas like the forehead, nose, and chin, but they can also appear on the back and chest
• Poppable?: Technically yes, but squeezing can lead to infection, scarring, and redness
• Pain: Usually mild, but it can become inflamed and sore if irritated

How To Treat Whiteheads

For whiteheads, you can treat them both at home and with professional treatments! We’ve split each solution up by section.

At-Home Care

• Gentle cleansing: Wash twice a day with a mild, non-comedogenic (formulated so it won’t clog your pores) cleanser.
• Exfoliation: Use a soft chemical exfoliant, like salicylic or lactic acid, 1 to 2 times per week. Avoid harsh scrubs.
• Topical treatments: Over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid creams can reduce bacteria and prevent new whiteheads.
• Hands-off: Avoid popping or squeezing.

Professional Treatments

• Chemical peels: Gently remove dead skin and clear clogged pores.
• Light-based skin therapies: Reduce bacteria and control oil.
• Professional extractions: Safely remove whiteheads without scarring.

What Are Milia?

Milia are tiny, hard bumps that usually appear around the eyes, cheeks, and nose. Unlike whiteheads, milia are not acne. They are tiny cysts caused by trapped keratin (a type of protein your body naturally produces) beneath the skin.

• Type: Keratin-filled cyst
• Cause: Trapped skin protein (keratin), sometimes after skin trauma or naturally
• Appearance: Tiny, smooth, hard white or yellow bumps
• Location: Common around the eyes and cheeks
• Poppable?: No, they are very firm and squeezing can damage skin
• Pain: Generally painless

How To Treat Milia

For milia, there are safe ways to care for your skin at home, but stubborn bumps may need professional help. We’ve broken down the options in each section.

At-Home Care

• Gentle exfoliation: Low-strength chemical exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid can encourage skin turnover.
• Avoid heavy creams: Thick occlusive products can trap keratin and worsen milia.
• Sun protection: Lightweight sunscreen can prevent sun-related skin damage that may worsen milia.
• Patience: Don’t try to remove them yourself.

Professional Treatments

• Professional extraction with a custom facial: Sterile tools safely remove the cyst
• Laser resurfacing or gentle chemical peels: Improve skin texture and prevent recurrence
• Topical retinoids (professional-grade): Encourage skin turnover with gentle exfoliation

What Are Closed Comedones?

Closed comedones are another type of acne lesion, often confused with whiteheads. They occur when pores are clogged with sebum and dead skin but remain under the skin’s surface, forming small bumps.

• Type: Non-inflammatory acne
• Cause: Pore blockage from dead skin and oil
• Appearance: Flesh-colored or slightly white bumps under the skin
• Location: Forehead, chin, and cheeks are most common
• Poppable?: Not easily; forcing them can cause irritation or scarring
• Pain: Usually painless, but they may become inflamed if irritated

How To Treat Closed Comedones

At-Home Care

• Cleansing: Wash twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser.
• Chemical exfoliation: Salicylic acid or low-strength retinoid creams can help open pores gradually.
• Avoid heavy products: Thick creams or oils can worsen comedones.
• Hands-off: Don’t squeeze or pick.

Professional Treatments

• Gentle chemical peels: Remove dead skin and unclog pores
• Microdermabrasion: Light resurfacing to improve texture and pore health
• Professional-strength topical treatments: Retinoids can prevent new closed comedones

Summary of the Difference Between Whiteheads, Milia, and Closed Comedones

To make it easier to compare, here’s a quick chart that breaks down the causes, appearance, location, and treatment options for whiteheads, milia, and closed comedones.

Skin Issue	Cause	Appearance	Location	Poppable	Pain	At-Home Care	Professional Treatments
Whiteheads	Clogged pores, oil, and bacteria	Small white/flesh-colored bumps	Face, chest, back	Yes, but not recommended	Mild	Gentle cleansing, mild chemical exfoliation, benzoyl peroxide/salicylic acid	Chemical peels, light therapy, and professional extraction
Milia	Trapped keratin	Tiny, hard white/yellow bumps	Around eyes, cheeks, and nose	No	No	Gentle chemical exfoliation, avoid heavy creams, sunscreen	Professional extraction, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and topical retinoids
Closed Comedones	Pore blockage	Flesh-colored bumps under skin	Forehead, chin, cheeks	Difficult	Usually none	Gentle cleansing, chemical exfoliation, avoid heavy creams	Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, professional retinoids

Now that you know what’s what, treat them safely and stick to gentle routines if you’re unsure. Enjoy smoother skin without the stress!